Annapurna Sanctuary trek Feb 2019-2020

Overview

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a classic for trekkers and it can easily be combined with a trip to Pun Hill or other lower altitude treks. The principal peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare are arranged almost precisely in a circle about 10 miles in diameter within a deep glacier-covered amphitheater at the center. From this glacier basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Modi Khola knifes its way south in a narrow gorge below fully 4000mtrs deep. Further south, the gorge opens up into a wide and fertile valley the domain of the Gurungs. The middle and upper portions of Modi Khola offer some of the best short trekking routes in Nepal, and the valley is located so that these treks can also be easily combined with treks into the Kali Gandaki region and Muktinath to the west.
In spite of the great heights of the surrounding peaks and ice walls the valley floor between around 4300 mtrs can provide comfortable camping spots in good weather or alternatively you can stay at a lodge.

A. Itinerary in Detail (14 Days)

Day 02, Feb 16: Sightseeing at Kathmandu valley,
Visiting many of the important sites of interest and world heritage sites within the valley / overnight hotel / Hotel CourtyardDay 03, Feb 17: Drive to Pokhara / transfer to hotel.
About 6 hours extremely scenic drive / transfer hotel / trek briefing /overnight hotelDay 04, Feb 18: Drive to Nayapul by private car, van / commence trek to Tikhedhunga (1540m)
Early drive to Nayapul (trek start) / trek Birethanti (1065m) a large village at the head of two rivers that has many shops & teahouses / the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola / trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille 1495m / short climb reach Tikhedhunga at 1525m / short & relatively easy day /overnightDay 05, Feb 19: Trek to Ghorepani (2860m).
Leave Tikhedunga / steep climb to Ulleri / Ulleri is a large Magar village at 2070m / trail continues to ascend more gently through fine forests of oak & rhododendron towards Banthanti at 2250m / Continue to Nangethanti at 2460m / a further hour brings you to Ghorepani at 2775m / overnight guest house / overnightDay 06, Feb 20: Hiking to Poonhill 3193m – back to Ghorepani, then trek to Tadapani 2630m.
This morning up early / hiking to Poon Hill / superb sunrise views of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himals / back to Ghorepani, hot breakfast / up to a forested rige and through rhododendron forest to Deurali / down through river bed (many birds) to Banthanti / ups and downs through forest to Tadapani /overnight

Day 07, Feb 21:Trek to Chhomrong (2020 meters)

Today’s trail descends to Kimrong stream/ through the forest of rhododendron / cross through the Gurjung village/ Chhomrong offers you close views / overnight

Day 08, Feb 22: Trek to Himalaya (2920m)
Down to Chhomrong stream / climb up to Dovan / through rhododendron forest / on to Himalaya / overnight lodgeDay 09, Feb 23: Trek to Annapurna base camp (4131m)
The day mainly up and up / Machhapuchhre base camp (3900meters) /on to Annapurna base camp / fantastic amphitheater surrounded by mountains / spectacular views of the Himalayas / including Annapurna I, Annapurna South and Barah Shikhar / overnight lodgeDay 10, Feb 24: Trek back to Bamboo(2310m)
Down down (retracing trail) / to Bamboo / overnight guest houseDay 11, Feb 25: Trek to Jhinu hill (1780m)
Today very easy / natural hot spring located at the bank of Modi river / relaxation / overnight guesthouseDay 12, Feb 26: Trek to Nayapul and drive back to PokharaTrek down to Modi khola / along the stream / drive back to Pokhara / Overnight at PokharaDay 13, Feb 27: Fly Pokhara – KathmanduFly to Kathmandu by an early flight / pick up from airport and transfer to hotel / Dwarika’s Hotel / Rest of time for relaxation, shopping etc on your ownDay 14: Departure day